UPDATE: |Armed police swoop in after reports two women were being held against their will News

The suspects were found hiding in a concealed cupboard

Two wanted men have been arrested after armed police responded to reports that two women were being held against their will.

Specialist officers were deployed to the scene earlier today (April 10) as the two men failed to engage with the force’s negotiator.

Greater Manchester Police said threats were being made and officers believed the two women could come to serious physical harm.

As they tried to gain entry to the address in Atherton, they found the entrance had been barricaded with sofas and other furniture.

When the firearms officers managed to gain entry to the building, the suspects were found hiding in a concealed cupboard.

The two men, aged 31 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, possession of a bladed article and recall to prison.

A knife and a sword were also recovered from the scene. GMP says both women are safe and well, and being supported by officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “We know local residents in the Atherton area will have seen a large police presence earlier as our specialist officers tried to ensure this incident was brought to a safe resolution within an hour.

“We have released some images from the officers’ body-worn video to give the public an insight into the kind of dangers our officers face on a day-to-day basis to keep the people of GM safe.

“Our officers are brilliantly trained and committed people who can face unpredictable and highly dangerous incidents with professionalism and skill to do the job very few of us could do.”

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